I’m not sure where or how I first heard this invitation to communion by Renovatus Church, but it is definitely one of my favorite things to reflect on from time to time in preparation for communion:
“This is the Table, not of the church, but of the Lord. It is made ready for those who love Him and for those who want to love Him more.
So come,
You who have much faith and you who have little,
You who have been here often and you who have not been here long,
You who have tried to follow and you who have failed.
Come, because it is the Lord who invites you.
It is His will that those who want Him should meet Him here.
Come to the Table.”
Today, as we celebrate the Last Meal Jesus shared with His disciples, the Passover meal with a potentially confusing twist for those present, I think about those sitting around the table with Jesus that night. I think about how easily the invitation quoted above could have been His welcome that night.
There were those that loved him… And those that wanted to love him more…
There were some of great faith… and some who by the end of the night would walk away in fear, deny him, and even one who would betray him…
They had tried to follow him for 3 years, yet many times failed…
These were ordinary men, chosen by Jesus, sinful, broken, humans… THESE are the people Jesus shared this last meal with.
What comfort there is in realizing here near the end of this Lenten journey, that I’m in good company. When I try to give up all the things I’ve blogged about … and fail…When I do the opposite of showing Jesus love…When I’m overwhelmed by fear or worry or insecurities or the opinions of others… That is perhaps when His invitation is the strongest…
Come! Meet with Me here! Nothing about you makes you worthy of an invitation, but it’s all about the One who does the inviting. So come!
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28)
The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. (Revelation 22:17)
Let’s give up anything today that might keep us from Jesus’ table. Let’s give up the thought that anything could keep us from being welcome there.
As Pastor Chuck would say,
The table is set. All is ready.
Come!
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